BMC issues new RT-PCR norms, subject to change if state revises rule

A day after restrictions were imposed by the Maharashtra government on international travellers coming in from countries 'at risk' of spreading the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the BMC has said the order shall become operational from midnight (23:59 hours) of December 2.

- Richa Pinto

Mumbai: In light of the Centre’s directions asking the state to “align” its guidelines with those from the Union health ministry, officials here hinted that there is a likelihood of the orders being revised before they come into force. BMC officials, however, said they will follow the present orders and insist on a negative RT-PCR till the time fresh orders are received.

“…Many international passengers have already finalised their travel plans and are on the move and some might also be airborne and would not be aware of the recent guidelines issued by the government of Maharashtra. So to avoid any inconvenience a window of two days is proposed to be given to all passengers coming from countries at risk. The government of Maharashtra order therefore shall become operational from 23:59 of December 2, said the order signed by additional municipal commissioner projects P Velrasu.